Visual Artists Guild
CALL FOR ARTISTS
Art & Democracy VII

We are now accepting submissions for Art & Democracy VII for 2026, an exhibition that explores the powerful intersection of art, activism, and the universal right to self-expression. This show will highlight works that reflect on historic and present-day movements — uplifting stories of perseverance, community organizing, and the ongoing fight for human dignity and justice.

This upcoming show follows the success of previous exhibitions Art & Democracy I (Diana Wong Merging One Studio), Art & Democracy II (El Pueblo de Los Angeles), Art & Democracy III (Angels Gate), Art & Democracy IV (New York), Art & Democracy V (Bergamont Station, Santa Monica), Art & Democracy VI (City of West Hollywood).

For our 2026 edition, we are proud to center Southern California -based artists whose works speak to the soul of the area’s long-standing legacy of cultural activism and civic engagement.

We welcome submissions across all visual mediums including performance, video.

Submission Guidelines:

    Curator: Selene Tellez

    Artists must submit the following:
          1. Artwork details:
              Title
              Medium
              Dimensions (HxWxD in inches)
              Weight (approximate, if applicable) 
          2. Theme Connection Paragraph:
              A short written statement (approx. 150–200 words)
              describing how your artwork connects to the
              exhibition’s theme of art and democracy.
          3. Artist Statement:
              A brief introduction to your artistic practice,
              influences, and perspective (approx. 100–150
              words).
          4. Up to 3 high-quality images of the submitted work
              (JPEG or PNG format). 

    Eligibility:
         Open to all artists
         All visual media accepted including live performances,
         video, prints, political cartoons, sculptures, etc.
         Works must be ready to display and fit within a
         traditional gallery space.

    What to Expect:
         The exhibition will feature a vibrant opening event with
         a celebration of creative freedom and community
         dialogue.
         There will be artists talk featuring participating artists.

Deadline for submissions: August 8, 2025

Submit via: vag@visual-artists-guild.org

For questions, please contact: Ann Lau,
alau@visual-artists-guild.org 310-433-0697

Join us in creating a space where art holds a mirror to democracy— its struggles, its triumphs, and its future.
Creativity Dies in Silence